The Asamushi Aquarium (Asamushi, Aomori City, TEL 017-752-3377 ) is currently exhibiting the red and white sea cucumber.

Sea cucumbers are similar in shape to sacks of rice, so they are said to be ``lucky charms for good harvests.'' The ``red sea cucumber'' and ``white sea cucumber'' that live in Mutsu Bay are referred to as ``Kohaku sea cucumbers,'' and they are named ``Kohaku sea cucumbers'' on the 1st floor of the museum. The exhibition began on January 1st at the Sea Corner.

Hiroki Miura, leader of the fish breeding and display department, said, ``We had a red sea cucumber and a white sea cucumber in the museum, so we planned this event to make our customers happy as they welcome the new year.''

According to Miura, it is common to catch red sea cucumbers by fishing, but white sea cucumbers are difficult to catch. “The white sea cucumbers on display were provided by local fishermen in Mutsu Bay.There are two types of white sea cucumbers: albino and albino, but it is difficult to tell which is which. Many have black mottled patterns, but those that are nearly pure white are especially rare," says Miura.

A woman in her 40s who came from Morioka with her family said with a smile, ``We came to Aomori to see the aquarium.This was the first time I'd seen a white sea cucumber.I thought sea cucumbers were black, but they're pure white and beautiful.''

Mr. Miura said, ``I want you to enjoy watching the sea cucumber move slowly using its suction cup feet called ``kansoku,'' as well as the thorns on the surface of its body.The red and white color brings good luck, so I hope everyone who came will be blessed with happiness," he says with a smile.

The red and white sea cucumber exhibit will run until January 31st.